The first stage of the classic plan is the longest (nearly 25 km). Here, it is split at Portela, where you sleep at the hotel or in Porto da Cruz, before climbing to Chão das Feiteiras the next day. The rest follows the stages of our guide.
No day exceeds 17 km: it is the right compromise for a first crossing, or for enjoying the viewpoints and levadas without watching the clock.
Day-by-day plan
| Day | Leg | Distance | Ascent | Descent | Walking time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poço do Gil → Portela Night at Portela or in Porto da Cruz. | 14.4 km | 920 m | 550 m | 5h – 6h | Portela and Porto da Cruz | |
| Portela → Chão das Feiteiras Via the Levada do Furado (closed as of November 9, 2026). | 10 km | 800 m | 170 m | 3h30 – 4h15 | Chão das Feiteiras and Poiso | |
| Chão das Feiteiras → Pico Ruivo | 13.5 km | 990 m | 440 m | 5h – 5h45 | Pico Ruivo | |
| Pico Ruivo → Encumeada | 9.9 km | 350 m | 1,140 m | 4h – 4h45 | Encumeada and Chão dos Louros | |
| Encumeada → Fontes Ruivas | 14.6 km | 1,350 m | 820 m | 6h45 – 8h | Bica da Cana, Estanquinhos and Fontes Ruivas | |
| Fontes Ruivas → Fanal | 17.1 km | 410 m | 770 m | 4h45 – 5h45 | Fanal | |
| Fanal → Ribeira da Janela | 10.6 km | 130 m | 1,250 m | 3h30 – 4h15 | Ribeira da Janela | |
| Total | 90 km | 4,950 m | 5,140 m | |||
Distances and ascent calculated on the waymarked main route; “≈” marks a day on a variant (estimated values). Walking times according to the DIN 33466 standard, without breaks.
The itinerary on the map
one color per dayD1overnight stopvariants
Build your own day-by-day plan, then export it as a GPX file.
Customize this itineraryTips for this itinerary
- Book your accommodation at Portela or in Porto da Cruz in advance: options are limited.
- Check the status of the PR10 before the second day.
The stages in detail
1
Poço do Gil Chão das Feiteiras
0 m250 m500 m750 m1,000 m1,250 m1,500 m0 km5 km10 km15 km20 km
2
Chão das Feiteiras Pico Ruivo
1,000 m1,250 m1,500 m1,750 m2,000 m0 km5 km10 km
3
Pico Ruivo Encumeada
750 m1,000 m1,250 m1,500 m1,750 m2,000 m0 km2 km4 km6 km8 km
4
Encumeada Fontes Ruivas
750 m1,000 m1,250 m1,500 m1,750 m0 km5 km10 km
5
Fontes Ruivas Fanal
750 m1,000 m1,250 m1,500 m1,750 m0 km5 km10 km15 km
6
Fanal Ribeira da Janela
0 m250 m500 m750 m1,000 m1,250 m0 km5 km10 km
Other itineraries
- The Madeira Crossing in 8 days, at a relaxed pace8 days · Intermediate
- The Madeira Crossing in 6 days (camping)6 days · Challenging
- The Madeira Crossing in 6 days despite the closures6 days · Challenging
- The Madeira Crossing in 5 days5 days · Very challenging
- The Madeira Crossing in 4 days4 days · Expert